All About You With Dr Shauna Watts

What if taking a break from alcohol was not about losing something, but finally feeling like yourself again? For many midlife women, the nightly glass feels comforting, yet the anxiety, poor sleep and low mood often reveal a different story.In this episode, Sarah Rusbatch shares the science and lived experience behind reducing or removing alcohol. From better sleep and calmer moods to clearer thinking and stronger relationships, she explains the changes thousands of women notice when they step out of gray area drinking.In this episode, you will learn:• Why 30 days can completely shift your sleep, mood and energy• How dopamine and GABA rebalance after drinking stops• Why alcohol often intensifies perimenopause symptoms• Tools for managing cravings and avoiding cross addictions• How to navigate social pressure without losing confidence• What loved ones can do that truly helps• How gut health and serotonin change when alcohol is removed• Why life often becomes calmer, brighter and more connectedIf you have ever wondered whether alcohol affects your mood, hormones, energy or sense of self, this episode offers compassion, clarity and real hope for change.Join the Weightless in Perimenopause & Beyond Live Event on December 2https://shaunas-menopause-glow.lovable.appFor more resources from Sarah Rusbatch:Follow Sarah on Instagram, visit her website and download her free guide “100 Things To Do Instead of Drinking” here.Follow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:Podcast Website: ⁠www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgpLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.00:00:00 – Why Women Reevaluate Drinking00:01:25 – Sarah Rusbatch and Her Work00:02:03 – How to Cut Back on Alcohol00:04:16 – Alcohol Free Socialising Tips00:05:44 – Handling Slips and Setbacks00:06:44 – The Truth About Moderate Drinking00:09:33 – Supporting Someone Cutting Back00:11:01 – Barriers to Drinking Less00:12:08 – Alcohol and Relationship Dynamics00:13:15 – When to Seek Professional Help00:15:31 – First Weeks Alcohol Free00:19:33 – Alcohol Hormones and Menopause00:20:22 – Alcohol and Breast Cancer Risk00:26:01 – Alcohol or Perimenopause00:27:21 – Alcohol and Dopamine Changes00:29:40 – Cross Addiction Strategies00:30:19 – Filling the Space Alcohol Leaves00:31:24 – Navigating Unsupportive Friends00:32:23 – Friendship Shifts When You Drink Less00:33:50 – Alcohol and True Calm00:34:46 – How Alcohol Affects Sleep00:36:08 – Life Satisfaction After Drinking Less00:40:15 – Managing Social Anxiety Without Alcohol00:42:30 – Rebuilding Identity Beyond Drinking* Gray area drinking* Stop drinking midlife* Alcohol and perimenopause* Alcohol anxiety women* Dopamine reset alcohol* Alcohol and sleep problems* Quit drinking support* Sarah Rusbatch* Dr Shauna Watts* Alcohol free lifestyle* Midlife health* Gut health and alcohol* Perimenopause symptoms* HRT and alcohol* Women and alcohol use

Once your child turns 18, control disappears but the fear, guilt and 3am “what ifs” don’t, especially when they’re gaming all night, drinking too much, not working or shutting you out. In this episode, parent coach Kim Muench joins me to unpack how to support young adults who are “lost in place”, stuck on the sofa, stuck in anxiety or stuck in risky behaviour and what actually helps: clear boundaries, honest conversations and doing your own emotional work so you’re leading, not pleading.In this episode, you’ll learn:• Why control ends at 18 but your influence doesn’t and how to use it well• How to understand and support a “lost in place” young adult who won’t launch• The 4 Cs (clarity, calm, confidence, consistency) that shift stuck family patterns• Ways to talk about money, gaming, alcohol and drugs without screaming… or enabling• How to stop helicopter parenting your 20-something and become a safe place to land• Practical boundaries when you’re scared they’ll end up homeless or worse• Why emotional blackmail (“after everything I’ve done for you…”) destroys connection• How to live with estrangement, work on yourself, and leave the door open to repairIf you’re facing a young adult who won’t launch, keeps circling home, or has cut you off, this episode gives you clear language, practical tools and the “4 Cs” to shift stuck dynamics plus validation for the grief and hope that come with this stage of parenting. Join the Weightless in Perimenopause & Beyond Live Event on December 2https://shaunas-menopause-glow.lovable.appFor more from Kim Muench:Website: Parent Coach for Parents of Emerging Adult and Adult ChildrenFacebook: Real Life Parent GuideInstagram: Kim Muench (@kimmuenchparentcoach) • Instagram profileTikTok: Kim Muench on TikTokFollow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:Podcast Website: ⁠www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgpLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.00:00:00 – Introduction: Parenting After 1800:00:25 – What Parenting Young Adults Really Looks Like00:00:41 – Meet Parent Coach Kim Muench00:02:09 – Understanding “Failure to Launch”00:03:09 – Helping a Young Adult Who’s “Lost in Place”00:05:21 – The Four Cs for Stuck Young Adults00:07:58 – Mental Health Red Flags in Young Adults00:09:25 – How Parental Anxiety Impacts Adult Children00:11:30 – Helicopter Parenting Fallout in the 20s00:12:14 – Shifting from Fixer to Supportive Guide00:13:10 – Respecting Differences Between Your Children00:16:20 – Emotional Blackmail and Broken Connection00:19:43 – Setting Financial Boundaries with Adult Children00:21:54 – Technology, Screens and Young Adult Behaviour00:24:24 – Partnering with Young Adults on Solutions00:25:15 – Today’s Pressures on 18–30-Year-Olds00:26:52 – Handling Aggression and Safety Concerns00:28:52 – Alcohol and Risky Behaviour Conversations00:32:03 – Young Adult Brain Development Explained00:33:15 – Estrangement: Coping and Leaving the Door Open00:40:58 – How to Connect with Kim Muench00:41:36 – Key Takeaways for Parenting Young Adults* parenting young adults* failure to launch adult child* adult child living at home* boundaries with adult children* parents enabling addiction* gaming addiction young adults* estranged from adult child* helicopter parenting 20 somethings* mental health and parenting* multigenerational living boundaries* setting financial boundaries kids* influence not control parenting* Kim Muench parent coach* All About You podcast* Dr Shauna Watts parenting

What happens when a woman who has spent her life on stage and on air suddenly doesn’t feel like herself? Hot, foggy, flat, and not sure why? In this intimate conversation, Australian country music trailblazer and radio host Gina Jeffreys opens up about the symptoms that blindsided her, the grief she carried, and the turning points that helped her find her spark again.Gina takes us from brutal period pain on tour, through years of infertility and loss, to surgical menopause and a long, confusing aftermath with little guidance. We explore the lesser-talked-about signs, from skin sensitivity to sleep disruption, as well as the strain on relationships, work, and identity, and the practical supports that finally made a difference.Join the Weightless in Perimenopause & Beyond Live Event on December 2https://shaunas-menopause-glow.lovable.appIn this episode, you’ll learn:• Understand how perimenopause affects your whole body, from skin and sleep to mood and memory.• Learn why surgical menopause can feel unpredictable and how to track what’s really changing.• Recognise the emotional load of grief, rage, and relationship strain, and ways to ease it with support.• Explore treatment options, including estrogen, vaginal therapies, and when testosterone can help.• Get practical tips for intimacy, pelvic-floor health, and better sleep (even at 4:30 a.m.).• Use gratitude, counselling, and community to rebuild confidence and rediscover yourself.If you’ve ever thought, “Is this just me?” it’s not. You’ll hear the real story behind rage in the car park, crying in the school office, stepping back from the spotlight, and learning there is help: hormones, pelvic-floor physio, sleep and intimacy solutions, and a mindset shift toward gratitude. Gina leaves us with hope, agency, and a joyful reminder that midlife can be a beginning.Learn more about the 16 week Rediscover You program here:https://youbydrshaunawatts.com.au/16-week-rediscover-you-menopause-program/For more from Gina Jeffrey’s you can follow her on Instagram or catch her hosting Breakfast with Matty, weekdays from 6am - 9am on Star 104.5.Follow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:Podcast Website: ⁠www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgpLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.00:00 – Gina Jeffreys’ Story00:00:45 – From Country Star to Midlife Shift00:01:09 – Menopause Begins: First Signs00:01:27 – Symptoms, Confusion & Finding Help00:02:34 – The Struggles Behind the Spotlight00:06:35 – Hot Flushes, Pain & Physical Change00:06:57 – Emotional Turmoil & Unexpected Rage00:08:38 – Car Park Rage & Crying Spells Explained00:11:56 – Impact on Work, Marriage & Self-Esteem00:13:24 – Coping Through Songwriting & Creativity00:16:03 – IVF, Loss & Relationship Strain00:24:22 – Public Scrutiny, Weight & Confidence00:27:38 – Health Reset & Body Confidence Returns00:30:07 – Facing Gym Fear & Finding Strength00:35:29 – Pelvic Floor Physio That Changed Everything00:41:31 – Hormone Therapy: Finding the Right Mix00:45:12 – Testosterone Therapy & Renewed Libido00:46:28 – Brain Fog Battles & Clarity Returns00:49:33 – DEXA Scan & Hidden Fat Insights00:55:59 – Menopause Weight Loss Journey01:01:49 – Cutting Back Alcohol & Feeling Better01:08:35 – Gina’s Top Tips & Menopause Advice01:12:02 – Future Plans & Life After Menopause* Menopause brain fog* Surgical menopause story* Perimenopause symptoms* Menopause skin changes* Testosterone in women* Vaginal estrogen dryness* Pelvic floor physiotherapy* Menopause sleep problems* Midlife relationships* Rage and irritability menopause* Rediscover You* Sex after menopause

We’ve all told ourselves a glass of wine helps us unwind, but what if it’s actually wrecking your rest? Alcohol sedates you, but it doesn’t restore you.In this eye-opening moment, Sarah Rusbatch explains why wine disrupts REM sleep, raises cortisol, and leaves women feeling constantly “just tired.” Even one drink can hijack your brain’s ability to process emotions overnight, and that exhaustion adds up.Join the Weightless in Perimenopause & Beyond Live Event on December 2https://shaunas-menopause-glow.lovable.appIn this episode, you’ll learn:• What “grey area drinking” really means, and why most women who struggle don’t identify as alcoholic• How stress, boredom, and loneliness drive drinking in midlife• The neuroscience of habit and emotional regulation behind alcohol use• Why alcohol has been sold as “self-care” and how to rewrite that story• Practical steps to reduce or stop drinking without shame• How to rebuild social confidence and friendships alcohol-free• The impact of alcohol on sleep, hormones, and midlife health• Why compassion, not willpower, is the key to real changeIf you often wake up exhausted, wired, or low in mood, this episode will help you understand the science behind it, and how to reclaim real, restorative sleep without the nightly glass.Learn more about the 16 week Rediscover You program hereFor more resources from Sarah Rusbatch:Follow Sarah on Instagram, visit her website and download her free guide “100 Things To Do Instead of Drinking” here.Follow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:Podcast Website: ⁠www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgpLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.00:00 – Why Women Turn to Wine01:14 – Meet Sarah Rusbatch02:18 – When Drinking Stopped Working03:33 – How Alcohol Shapes Women’s Lives08:08 – Becoming a Grey Area Drinking Coach08:56 – Alcohol’s Hidden Impact on Health13:09 – Wine, Friendship & Connection15:00 – The Emotions Behind Drinking16:52 – Stress, Loneliness & Midlife19:24 – What We Learn from Parents’ Drinking21:56 – Why Wine Isn’t Self-Care25:26 – Gender Roles, Pressure & Overload30:05 – What Is Grey Area Drinking?30:30 – Are You a Grey Area Drinker?31:42 – Early Signs You’re in the Grey Zone32:36 – Alcohol, Sleep & Mood34:46 – The Science of Stress & Wine35:43 – Alcohol’s Effect on Skin37:39 – Sedation Isn’t Sleep43:35 – Binge Drinking & Health44:48 – Life After Alcohol* Grey area drinking women* Alcohol free midlife* Stop drinking without rehab* Women and wine culture* Alcohol and menopause* Emotional drinking habits* Sarah Rusbatch Beyond Booze* How to drink less* Alcohol and anxiety* Midlife wellness podcast* Quit-lit for women* Alcohol self-care myth* Female friendship and wine* Perimenopause and alcohol* Dr Shauna Watts interview

Hot flushes, brain fog, painful intimacy—these symptoms are tough enough in menopause, but after cancer they can feel overwhelming. What happens when treatment triggers menopause overnight and the system isn’t set up to help you cope?In this honest and empowering conversation, Dr Shauna Watts talks with Dani Binnington—cancer survivor, author, and founder of Menopause and Cancer—about the realities of life after treatment. Together they explore the myths around HRT safety, the silence surrounding sexual health, and the small steps that can restore confidence and control.Join the Weightless in Perimenopause & Beyond Live Event on December 2https://shaunas-menopause-glow.lovable.appIn this episode, you’ll learn:Why menopause after cancer can be harder than the cancer itselfHow treatment-induced menopause impacts hormones and identityThe truth about HRT safety and current evidenceWhy vaginal estrogen can be life-changing and often safeHow to approach doctors about hormone and non-hormone optionsThe lifestyle shifts that make recovery easierWhy community and advocacy matter for survivorshipWhether you’re a survivor, a health professional, or someone supporting a loved one, this episode offers evidence, empathy, and hope—reminding every woman that she deserves to feel well again.For more from Dani Binnington:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dani_binnington/Podcast: https://menopauseandcancer.org/podcast/You can find also more resources from Menopause and Cancer:Website: https://menopauseandcancer.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/menopause_and_cancer/Follow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:Podcast Website: ⁠www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgpLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.00:00 – Welcome & Why This Topic Matters00:36 – Understanding Menopause After Cancer01:10 – Dani Binnington’s Personal Cancer Journey01:41 – What the Community Survey Reveals02:30 – The Hidden Gap in Cancer Care03:32 – Creating the Menopause & Cancer Podcast04:15 – Founding the Menopause & Cancer Organisation05:38 – Why Open Conversations Are Essential06:38 – Launching World Menopause & Cancer Day09:20 – How Menopause Symptoms Impact Recovery11:08 – Hormone Therapy: What Women Need to Know11:42 – The Importance of Patient-Centred Care15:11 – Myths About Menopause After Breast Cancer17:28 – Why Personalised Care Matters Most24:53 – Facing Fears Around Hormone Therapy25:32 – The Struggle to Access HRT Support29:34 – What Evidence Says About HRT Safety30:27 – HRT Risks and Breast Cancer Facts31:33 – Menopause, Intimacy & Relationships After Cancer32:17 – Community Stories & Coping Strategies35:53 – Exploring Alternative Therapies & Self-Care39:00 – Key Takeaways & Closing Reflections* Menopause after cancer* HRT after breast cancer* Dani Binnington interview* Menopause and Cancer community* Vaginal estrogen safety* Endocrine therapy side effects* Hormone replacement therapy myths* Sexual health after cancer* Cancer survivorship support* Early menopause after chemotherapy* Menopause symptoms and intimacy* Dr Shauna Watts podcast* Navigating Menopause After Cancer book* Oncology menopause care* Women’s health after cancer

When your sweet kid turns into a stormy, door-slamming teen overnight, it can shake your whole home, especially if you’re juggling perimenopause, sleepless nights, and endless worries. How do you stay calm, keep connected, and still hold boundaries when emotions are running high?In this honest and empowering conversation, Dr Shauna sits down with Kim Muench (pronounced Minch, like “pinch” with an “m”), Founder of Real Life Parent Guide and Certified Parent Coach through the Jai Institute for Parenting. She is a mum of five and author of the #1 Amazon bestseller Becoming Me While Raising You. In this episode, Kim shares practical wisdom on parenting teens and emerging adults (18–30) with calm, confidence, and compassion, shifting from fear and control to connection and guidance.Join the Weightless in Perimenopause & Beyond Live Event on December 2https://shaunas-menopause-glow.lovable.appIn this episode, you’ll learn:• Understand what’s really changing in the teen brain (and why moods swing).• Learn how to stay calm and not take the sting personally.• Use “early and often” scripts for tough topics: porn, alcohol, sex, identity.• Set healthy phone boundaries and create screen-free zones that stick.For more from Kim Muench:Website: https://reallifeparentguide.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/kimmuench.reallifeparentguideInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimmuenchparentcoachTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kimmuenchparentcoachFollow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:Podcast Website: ⁠www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawattshttps://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgpLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.00:00 – Introduction: Raising Emerging Adults00:02 – Kim Muench’s Journey to Conscious Parenting00:07 – Understanding the Teenage Brain00:10 – Managing Teen Emotional Dysregulation00:14 – Building Trust and Connection with Teens00:18 – How to Talk About Sensitive Topics00:20 – Fear-Based Parenting vs. Empowered Guidance00:22 – Social Media’s Impact on Teen Mental Health00:23 – Creating Strong Family Values00:26 – How to Talk to Teens About Pornography00:29 – Honest Conversations About Sex and Relationships00:31 – Parenting with Honesty and Vulnerability00:33 – Letting Go of Control as Teens Grow00:37 – Setting Boundaries for Screen and Phone Use00:44 – Parenting in the Modern Digital Age00:47 – Navigating Teenage Rebellion with Empathy00:51 – Why Natural Consequences Build Responsibility00:53 – Rediscovering Yourself as Kids Gain Independence00:57 – Top Parenting Takeaways for Raising Teens* parenting teens and tweens* perimenopause and parenting* teen brain emotional changes* connection vs control parenting* how to talk to teens about porn* phone boundaries for teenagers* failure to launch adult children* parent coach tips 18 to 30* enabling vs supporting kids* calm confident consistent parenting* family values conversation* estranged from adult child* anxious parents what to do* alcohol and young adults safety* respectful communication with teens

Feeling foggy, flat, or just not yourself? You’re not alone — and your hormones could be the reason. In this insightful episode, Dr Sunita Chelva, Dr Aoife O’Sullivan, and Dr Rachel Rubin explain how hormonal changes in perimenopause affect your brain, mood, sleep, libido, and energy — and how HRT, testosterone, and vaginal hormones can help restore balance and wellbeing.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why there’s no “too young” age to explore HRT when symptoms impact life.How the pill differs from HRT and when body-identical hormones matter.What testosterone can (and can’t) do for libido, focus, and fatigue.The role of estrogen and progesterone in brain, bones, sleep, and heart.How to balance benefits and risks when deciding how long to stay on HRT.Why vaginal hormones (estrogen, DHEA, testosterone) support comfort, continence, and sex at any age.Practical guidance for monitoring and dosing without over-testing.A fresh look at what “natural menopause” means today.Follow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:Podcast Website: ⁠www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawattshttps://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgpLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.00:00 – Introduction & “Too young for HRT?”02:19 – Pill vs HRT: what’s the difference?04:26 – Testosterone for women: why and when05:23 – How to use testosterone cream & what to expect11:52 – Blood tests, PCOS cautions & prescribing14:16 – How long should you stay on HRT?15:23 – Brain health, dementia risk & estrogen16:18 – Personalising HRT: continue, pause, or stop?17:56 – “Menopause is natural”—but is modern life?19:55 – Vaginal hormones: comfort, UTIs & continence25:18 – Rediscover You: program overview26:22 – Hormone basics & perimenopause physiology29:54 – Testosterone reality check (levels vs estrogen)30:33 – Why body shape & fat distribution change31:34 – Estrogen’s systemic roles (vessels, joints, brain)33:20 – Progesterone’s role: balance, bones, GABA, sleep35:05 – HRT: making the decision with evidence35:24 – Progesterone for sleep: who benefits?36:23 – Contraception during perimenopause on HRT37:54 – Estrogen + progesterone: tailoring treatment39:18 – Dosing: treat symptoms, not numbers41:43 – Bloods & monitoring: limits of testing42:57 – HRT & breast cancer: context and nuance45:42 – WHI, media, and risk communicationperimenopause symptomsHRT benefits riskstestosterone for womenvaginal estrogen DHEAUTIs after menopausebrain fog menopausesleep and progesteronebody-identical hormonespill vs HRTgenitourinary syndrome menopausemidlife weight gainestrogen brain healthosteoporosis preventionWHI breast cancer studymenopause is natural myth

What happens when cancer treatment, or preventative surgery for a BRCA1 gene mutation suddenly pushes you into menopause years before you’re ready?In this deeply personal episode, Dr Shauna Watts speaks with Dani Binnington, yoga teacher and founder of Menopause and Cancer, about the physical and emotional toll of early menopause after breast cancer. Together, they share their own experiences with BRCA1, preventive surgeries, and rebuilding a sense of identity in the aftermath of loss, fear, and uncertainty.This episode offers comfort, clarity, and evidence based hope for anyone navigating cancer treatment, surgical menopause, or sudden life change.In this episode, you’ll learn:Understand how cancer treatment and BRCA1 surgery can trigger sudden menopauseRecognise the signs of post-treatment anxiety, depression, and loss of identityLearn how women can rebuild confidence and control after breast cancerDiscover the role of genetics in breast and ovarian cancer riskExplore practical ways to advocate for menopause care after cancerHear Dr Shauna’s and Dani’s shared reflections on finding purpose and community through adversityFor more from Dani Binnington:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dani_binnington/Podcast: https://menopauseandcancer.org/podcast/You can find also more resources from Menopause and Cancer:Website: https://menopauseandcancer.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/menopause_and_cancer/Follow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:Podcast Website: ⁠www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawattshttps://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgpLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.Chapters00:00 – Introduction02:23 – Dani’s diagnosis: discovering a lump at 3304:13 – Active treatment: chemo, surgery, and survival06:03 – Hair loss, confidence, and pretending to be “fine”07:57 – Anxiety and depression after cancer treatment09:32 – Toxic positivity and the pressure to “stay strong”12:20 – Temporary menopause and fertility fears14:22 – Loss of control, identity, and the future she imagined15:40 – Learning she carried the BRCA1 gene17:10 – Double mastectomy and redefining womanhood18:55 – The role of Angelina Jolie in normalising the BRCA1 conversation20:46 – Facing risk-reducing surgery and surgical menopause22:37 – Life after ovaries: intimacy, self-image, and healing24:17 – The UK’s “menopause revolution” and gaps in care27:20 – Finding real menopause support after cancer29:26 – Dr Shauna’s story: pregnancy to menopause at 3433:24 – The emotional weight of being both doctor and patient35:22 – The shock of surgical menopause after caesarean38:12 – Isolation, sleeplessness, and grief for her old self41:01 – Why empathy, education, and advocacy matter43:53 – Shauna’s three takeaways: trauma, awareness, identity44:11 – Next episode preview: HRT and life after cancer* Early menopause after cancer* BRCA1 and menopause* Dani Binnington story* Menopause after chemotherapy* Surgical menopause explained* Breast cancer and menopause* BRCA1 preventative surgery* Life after mastectomy* Menopause support after cancer* Cancer survivorship and identity* Women’s health after cancer* Perimenopause vs surgical menopause* Mental health after cancer treatment* Anxiety and depression in menopause* Menopause advocacy and support

In this eye-opening episode, we dive into the misunderstood world of hormones, menopause, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). From the truth about estrogen and progesterone to the myths around breast cancer and HRT, Dr Shauna Watts and expert voices unpack the science, the stigma, and the life-changing potential of hormone therapy.We talk honestly about:What hormones really do beyond fertility and reproductionThe difference between perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopauseWhy women are often misdiagnosed or dismissed in midlifeThe truth about breast cancer risk and HRTHow hormones affect brain health, mood, and Alzheimer’s riskWhy suicide peaks in midlife women and how HRT can helpPractical ways HRT is prescribed (patches, gels, tablets)The myths that still hold women back from treatmentWhy it’s time to rethink what’s “natural” when it comes to menopauseThe empowering role of evidence in making informed choicesWhether you’re struggling with perimenopause symptoms, debating HRT, or just curious about the science behind women’s midlife health—this episode gives you the clarity and confidence you need to make informed decisions.Follow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:Podcast Website: ⁠www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgpLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only. Mental Health Advisory: This episode includes discussion of suicide and mental health, which may be distressing for some listeners. If you are struggling, please reach out for support. In Australia, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or if you’re elsewhere, contact your local crisis service.00:00:00 - Introduction: Hormones & HRT00:00:43 - What Are Hormones?00:01:01 - Hormones in Women’s Health00:02:07 - Common Hormone Myths00:03:00 - Estrogen’s Role in the Brain00:04:12 - HRT vs. Other Treatments00:06:08 - Menopause vs. Perimenopause00:09:03 - Spotting Perimenopause Symptoms00:12:52 - Why Doctors Miss Symptoms00:15:57 - HRT Explained Simply00:17:31 - Estrogen Therapy Options00:22:17 - Progesterone Therapy Options00:24:40 - Progesterone Sensitivity Signs00:29:19 - HRT & Breast Cancer Myths00:30:27 - Debunking Cancer Fears00:31:37 - Psychology of HRT Resistance00:35:26 - Menopause & the “Natural” Myth00:37:10 - Breaking Menopause Taboos00:39:28 - Estrogen & Alzheimer’s Risk00:44:44 - Breast Cancer Fears00:47:55 - Menopause & Mental Health00:52:15 - Why HRT Matters00:55:12 - Breast Cancer Risk by Age01:01:14 - Estrogen for Cancer Survivors01:02:29 - WHI Study Impact01:03:18 - Estrogen & Heart Health01:05:44 - Informed HRT Decisions* Hormone replacement therapy* HRT myths and facts* Menopause support* Perimenopause explained* Estrogen and brain health* Progesterone benefits* Testosterone in women* HRT and breast cancer risk* Natural vs. bioidentical hormones* Cognitive decline and estrogen* Alzheimer’s prevention in women* Midlife women’s health* Menopause anxiety and depression* Suicide risk in menopause* Estrogen Matters book review* Women’s heart health and hormones

In this empowering episode, we dive deep into the complex world of female sexuality, libido, relationships, and emotional wellness—especially through midlife, perimenopause, and separation. From the biology of desire to the importance of self-awareness, expert guests and candid conversations explore what really drives intimacy, connection, and wellbeing in women.We talk honestly about:Why libido shifts during perimenopause and menopauseHow to stop the guilt around sex & low desireThe power of friendship, oxytocin, and emotional intimacyNavigating separation with dignity, strength, and legal clarityHow building a support team is key during life transitionsWhy prioritizing relationships is critical to long-term healthWhether you're navigating a new phase in your relationship, curious about midlife sexuality, or feeling disconnected—this episode will help you reclaim your energy, confidence, and connection.Follow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:Podcast Website: ⁠www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgpLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.00:00 - Sex, Separation & Connection: What We Cover 00:13 - Libido Explained: Rethinking Desire 00:48 - The Libido Myth: Not Just a Drive 01:37 - How Cues & Relaxation Impact Arousal 02:19 - Menopause, Perimenopause & Libido 04:16 - Why Sex Drive Is Complex 07:04 - Sex Ed That Actually Helps 09:14 - Self-Exploration & Confidence 09:52 - Separation? Get Legal Advice Early 11:06 - When to Hire a Family Law Specialist 12:06 - Who’s on Your Separation Team 12:44 - A Holistic Look at Breakups 15:03 - What Child Consultants Do 15:57 - Money & Mindset in Separation 17:41 - Handling Narcissists in Divorce 19:58 - Coping With Emotional Fallout 21:44 - Healing With Rediscover You 22:47 - Making Friends as Adults 25:23 - Health Benefits of Friendship 30:50 - Friendship & Mental Wellness 32:02 - Well-being Through Connection 39:09 - Group Activities for Belonging 42:16 - Longevity Through Social Life 45:22 - How Loneliness Affects Health 54:14 - Finding the Right Therapist * Female libido* Low sex drive after 40* Menopause and sex drive* Perimenopause support* Women’s sexual health* Midlife relationship advice* Reconnecting after separation* Hormones and libido* Post-menopause sex life* Emotional intimacy for women* women’s libido* low libido in women* increasing female desire* women and sexual arousal* women’s sexual wellness* female desire in midlife* hormonal impact on libido* estrogen and sex drive* testosterone for women* natural libido boosters for women